Category: Reviews

Defending a Monster Reviewed by Publishers Weekly

“How do you defend a madman accused of killing 30 young men and teenagers? That is the powerful theme of this book by a retired judge and criminal attorney whose first case was defending John Wayne Gacy, a popular community figure who began a deranged killing spree in Illinois in the 1970s.”…

…”What emerges is a deep probing into Gacy’s mind as it unraveled into a “detached, disconnected” madness wrapped in a maze of sexual confusion and murderous intent.”…

“I have read a few books about serial killers in the past, out of curiosity – but never anything quite like this. Hearing the defense attorney’s side of things is a fascinating experience. One is able to see first-hand just how difficult the situation is.” … “John Wayne Gacy: Defending A Monster provides a very different perspective than that of the usual true crime books. As such, it is recommended.”

Northwest Indiana Times – OFFBEAT: New book by John Wayne Gacy’s lawyer a chilling read.” by Phil Potempa

“The question of “How do you guarantee a fair trial without the influence of hate, revenge, media or an outraged public?” is the foundation of the book, which is written in the lawyer’s first-person account…”

‘John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster’

“…When was the last time someone you knew asked you for a favor? What if that favor was defending a man who you later discovered to be guilty of crimes so grotesque they make your blood curdle? Can you guarantee him a fair trial without the influence of hate, revenge, media or an outraged public?…”